Jim & Kris Hoffer
3/2/22
Jim Hoffer graduated from NL in 1987. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety & Environmental Health and a Master’s degree in Technology Education, both from Millersville University. Jim taught for 4 years at the Millersburg School District, and is now in his 17th year of teaching Industrial Arts/ Technology Education at Northern Lebanon. His areas of expertise include architecture, engineering design, entrepreneurship, materials, and processing. Kristin (Davis) Hoffer graduated from NL in 1988. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Lebanon Valley College, as well as a Master’s degree in Reading Education and a Reading Specialist Certification from Millersville University. Kris has taught for over 25 years at Northern Lebanon, and she is enjoying her 17th year as a reading specialist (her “dream job”), currently at East Hanover Elementary. Jim and Kris are both members of the Lebanon County Educational Honor Society. Jim was named Technology Educator of the Year in 2008 by the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania.
Although they were not high school sweethearts, Jim and Kris’ common interests and mutual friends from NL brought them together in 1992. While in high school, they went on some of the same trips with the ecology club, including white water rafting, night hikes, and trips to Lewes, DE, of which they share fond memories. Jim and Kris reside in East Hanover Township, and this June, they will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. Their daughter Becca is a sophomore at Kutztown University majoring in Communication Design, and their son Joey is a junior at NLHS. They enjoy spending free time with their mini-Daschund, Zak, in addition to hanging out at their pool, kayaking, hiking, and attending concerts as a family. Jim enjoys fishing and wood working. Kris enjoys reading and spending time at the beach.
Something that Jim appreciated about his time at NL was “all the great and personable teachers and outside-of-the-classroom learning activities that were available.” Kris especially appreciated “the great teachers and friends from HS days and memories made performing in the musicals and show choir.” They have both enjoyed “the down to earth people and the small town feeling of the Northern Lebanon area. It has been wonderful raising our children in this community and getting to know so many NL families over the years as parents and teachers!” The following is the Hoffers’ advice for current NL students: Take advantage of opportunities in High School and use this time to grow and learn about yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others; everyone has their own unique gifts and talents to offer. Life is full of ups and downs, never give up and keep moving forward!
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